Supporting Sustainable Tourism Research Articles

Public-Private Collaboration in Sustainable Tourism Destination Management: Case Study of MaxOne Resort and Hotel Makassar

Public-private collaboration is a vital strategy in managing sustainable tourism destinations, integrating diverse stakeholders to balance economic growth, environmental sustainability, and social equity. Despite the hospitality sector’s key role in tourism governance, research on its collaboration with public institutions, particularly in Makassar, Indonesia, remains limited. This study examines MaxOne Resort and Hotel Makassar to explore the mechanisms, challenges, and outcomes of public-private partnerships (PPPs) in sustainable tourism destination management (STDM). Using a qualitative case study approach, the research employs in-depth interviews, participatory observation, and policy analysis to investigate how MaxOne Resort collaborates with local government and communities to implement sustainability initiatives. The findings reveal that structured mechanisms such as formal agreements, joint projects, and stakeholder committees facilitate sustainable governance. MaxOne Resort actively engages in environmental conservation, community empowerment, and responsible tourism practices, positioning itself as a sustainability model within the hospitality sector. However, regulatory misalignments, funding constraints, and inconsistent stakeholder engagement present significant challenges. The study underscores the relevance of the Penta-Helix framework, highlighting how collaboration among government, private sector, academia, community, and media enhances the legitimacy and effectiveness of sustainability initiatives. This research contributes to the literature by providing a localized analysis of PPPs in Makassar, bridging the gap between theoretical models and practical applications. The findings offer policy recommendations to strengthen stakeholder collaboration, optimize governance structures, and support sustainable tourism development in emerging destinations.

Development of a Web-Based Village Tourism Management Information System to Support Sustainable Tourism Destinations

Digitalization in local tourism development is essential as it significantly impacts the growth and sustainability of Tourism Villages. This study aims to develop a website-based Tourism Management Information System to support sustainable tourism development in Tourism Villages in Maluku. The Rapid Application Development (RAD) method was utilized to build the system, consisting of four stages: Requirement Planning, User Design (Iterative: prototype, testing, and refinement), Construction, and Cutover. The iterative process during the User Design stage accelerated system development by continuously incorporating user feedback and needs. System testing employed usability testing during the User Design phase and black-box testing during the Construction phase. The results of this study demonstrate that the developed system successfully fulfills user requirements, enhancing the management and accessibility of Tourism Villages. Key features include tour package selection and an online reservation system, simplifying travel arrangements for visitors. This system significantly impacts tourism development by improving operational efficiency, promoting local attractions, and fostering economic growth in Tourism Villages. Furthermore, the system contributes to the sustainability of tourism by encouraging digital transformation, increasing visitor engagement, and supporting local communities through enhanced tourism services.

Sustainable Ecotourism Development and Land Use Planning in Muara District, North Tapanuli, Indonesia: A Policy Review for the Lake Toba Shoreline

This study explores the potential and challenges of developing sustainable ecotourism along the Lake Toba shoreline in Muara District, North Tapanuli Regency. Muara District is known for its scenic natural beauty and the rich cultural heritage of the Batak community, offering unique opportunities for tourism growth. However, several challenges hinder its development, including inadequate infrastructure, limited supporting facilities, insufficient promotion, and poor tourism management. To address these issues, the study employs a qualitative descriptive approach, gathering data through direct field observations, stakeholder interviews, and analysis of policy documents. The study applies SWOT analysis to identify internal strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Key findings reveal that Muara District’s natural beauty and Batak cultural heritage are critical strengths, while limited tourism facilities, poor accessibility, and a lack of digital promotion are significant weaknesses. Government support through the Super Priority Destination (DPSP) program and the global trend of ecotourism present valuable opportunities. However, threats such as environmental degradation and competition from other Lake Toba destinations pose significant risks. Based on these findings, strategic recommendations are proposed. These include infrastructure development, digital promotion, capacity-building for local communities, and environmental conservation initiatives. Implementing these strategies will improve tourist accessibility, enhance the visitor experience, and support sustainable tourism development. The findings provide policymakers and stakeholders with evidence-based strategies to achieve an optimal balance between tourism development, cultural preservation, and environmental sustainability, ultimately transforming Muara District into a leading ecotourism destination.

Restaurant Green Accounting Policy to Support Sustainable Tourism In Samosir District, Lake Toba

This study aims to analyze the restaurant green accounting policy in restaurants in Samosir Regency, Lake Toba, in supporting sustainable tourism. Green accounting plays an important role in recording and reporting environmental aspects in the restaurant business, which is an integral part of the tourism ecosystem. This study examines the influence of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), management support, and community support on the implementation of green accounting in these restaurants. Using a mix method approach (qualitative and quantitative), data were collected from 71 restaurants in the area. The results showed that CSR, management support, and community support have a significant influence on the implementation of green accounting , which ultimately supports sustainable tourism in Samosir Regency. This study provides important insights for restaurant business actors and stakeholders in designing environmentally friendly and sustainable tourism policies.

The Augmented Reality (AR) Based on Artificial Intellegence (AI) in Integrated Marketing Communication (IMC) in Tourism Villages

This study examines the implementation of Augmented Reality (AR) based on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Integrated Marketing Communication (IMC) in tourism villages, driven by the need for advanced technology to sustain the attractiveness of tourist destinations. The main objectives are to explore the potential of AR and AI technologies in enhancing tourist experiences, identify best practices in IMC, and analyze economic and environmental impacts. A literature review approach was used to gather findings from recent studies, indicating that AR provides deeper and more informative interactive experiences, while AI enables personalized experiences tailored to individual tourist preferences. The research methodology involved critical analysis of relevant literature, including case studies from several tourism villages in Indonesia and abroad that have successfully implemented these technologies. The results indicate that the implementation of AR and AI can significantly enhance destination attractiveness, strengthen branding, and support sustainable tourism development through better environmental management and more active involvement of local communities. However, challenges such as implementation costs, data privacy, and technological dependency need to be considered. This research provides a foundation for developing effective integrated marketing strategies using AR and AI, meeting the needs of modern tourists who increasingly demand informative, interactive, and sustainable experiences.

Green Accounting Policy for Water Transportation Services to Support Sustainable Tourism in the Lake Toba Area

The Lake Toba area is not only an important tourism attraction in Indonesia, but also one of the five super priority tourist destinations that the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy focuses on, namely Lake Toba, Likupang, Borobudur, Mandalika, and Labuan Bajo. However, the rapid growth of tourism in the region has led to increased pressure on the environment and ecosystem of Lake Toba, including the negative impact of the water transportation sector which has the potential to damage the environment. The purpose of this study is to obtain the relationship between the green accounting policy of water transportation services and its driving factors including CSR programs for water transportation services, management support, and community support. The research methods used in this study are data collection on 65 samples of water transportation services, literature study, identifying problems, pre-processing, analyzing data, data analysis results, final evaluation, research approach with a mix method (qualitative and quantitative). Based on the results of the qualitative test of Nvivo data processing, the concept of green accounting policy carried out by water transportation business actors in Lake Toba tourist destinations is environmentally friendly technology, community support, management support and corporate social responsibility activities. This result is supported by the results of a quantitative test, namely the determination coefficient test where community support, management support and corporate social responsibility have an effect on green accounting policies.

Beach Quality Evaluation as a Strategy for Sustainable Coastal Tourism Management

This study evaluates the quality and visitor satisfaction across Anyer Beach, Tanjung Lesung Beach, Carita Beach, and Sawarna Beach in Banten, Indonesia, using the Bath Area Registration and Evaluation (BARE) survey and Importance-Performance (I-P) Matrix analysis. Each beach's attributes, including security, water quality, facilities, litter management, and scenery, are assessed to identify strengths and areas for improvement. The findings reveal varying levels of performance and visitor satisfaction, highlighting notable gaps in safety, medical facilities, showers, waste facilities, and changing rooms. Recommendations include enhancing safety measures, upgrading medical and shower facilities, improving waste management practices, and preserving scenic beauty to enhance visitor experiences and support sustainable tourism practices.

From social media marketing to sustainable tourism development: how functionalities and destination image support sustainable tourism development

PurposeThis study investigates the influence of social media marketing (SMM) functionalities on perceived destination image (DI) and its dimensions, which in turn impact residents’ support for sustainable tourism development (SSTD). The study also examines the moderated mediation effect of the residency length and resident’s income in the indirect relationship between SMM and SSTD through the DI.Design/methodology/approachThe best technique found appropriate for this study was the survey approach. To gather empirical data, people who currently reside in Alexandria completed 351 questionnaires via an online survey. The questionnaire was translated into Arabic while adhering to back-translation guidelines. SPSS and AMOS software were used to analyze the collected data.FindingsIt is found that there is a direct effect of SMM and its functionalities on overall DI and its dimensions. In addition, DI mediates the relationship between SMM and SSTD. These results hold valuable insights for academicians and practitioners in the tourism industry, potentially informing SMM strategies to support tourism activities.Originality/valueThis research introduces a novel framework emphasizing the functionalities of the SMM as a tool for enhancing both affective and cognitive DI and supporting sustainable tourism development. It contributes to the SMM and SSTD literature by examining the links between SMM functionalities and sustainable tourism development in emerging countries such as Egypt.

Pengembangan Website Desa Wisata Sebagai Media Informasi Wisatawan Pada Desa Temesi

The tourism industry is undergoing significant changes with the advancement of digital technology, known as digital tourism. Digitalization has changed the way tourist destinations are promoted, accessed, and managed, including through the concept of rural tourism or tourism villages. Temesi Village in Gianyar Regency, Bali, has great natural and cultural tourism potential. However, to optimize this potential, digital media is needed, such as website creation. The WordPress platform was chosen for its advantages, including a large user community, ease of use, design flexibility, and data security. This step aligns with the digital village program supported by the Community Empowerment Agency and Primakara University. It is hoped that the creation of this website will introduce and promote the tourism potential of Temesi Village to the general public and tourists, as well as support sustainable tourism development in the area.

Virtual Journeys, Real Engagement: Analyzing User Experience on a Virtual Travel Social Platform

A sustainable smart tourism ecosystem relies on building digital networks that link tourists to destinations. This study explores the potential of web and immersive technologies, specifically the Virtual Romania (VRRO) platform, in enhancing sustainable tourism by redirecting tourist traffic to lesser-known destinations and boosting user engagement through interactive experiences. Our research examines how virtual tourism platforms (VTPs), which include web-based and immersive technologies, support sustainable tourism, complement physical visits, influence user engagement, and foster community building through social features and user-generated content (UGC). An empirical analysis of the VRRO platform reveals high user engagement levels, attributed to its intuitive design and interactive features, regardless of the users’ technological familiarity. Our findings also highlight the necessity for ongoing enhancements to maintain user satisfaction. In conclusion, VRRO demonstrates how accessible and innovative technologies in tourism can modernize travel experiences and contribute to the evolution of the broader tourism ecosystem by supporting sustainable practices and fostering community engagement.

Digital Silk Roads: Leveraging the Metaverse for Cultural Tourism within the Belt and Road Initiative Framework

The advent of the Metaverse, a convergence of virtual and physical realities, presents unprecedented opportunities for promoting cultural tourism along the historic Silk Roads within the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) framework. However, this emerging technology’s potential remains largely unexplored in the context of cultural heritage preservation and its promotion. The aim of this study is to address this gap by empirically examining how the Metaverse can be harnessed to improve tourists’ experiences, support sustainable tourism development, and promote cultural exchange along the Silk Roads. In this study, we employed a mixed-methods approach grounded in attribution theory, using both surveys and semi-structured interviews with Silk Road tourists who had been exposed to Metaverse applications. To investigate the relationships between Metaverse features, tourists’ attributions, satisfaction, and behavioral intentions, we used structural equation modeling and thematic analysis. The findings revealed that perceived immersion, avatar identification, and cultural authenticity significantly influenced tourists’ internal, stable, and controllable attributions. Interviews further highlighted the Metaverse’s potential to promote accessibility, interpretation, and engagement with Silk Road heritage, while also raising sociocultural and ethical considerations. This paper also showcases the development of Metaverse digital twin prototypes for several iconic Silk Road cities to demonstrate the potential for participatory virtual environments to promote cultural heritage preservation, accessibility, and sustainable tourism. The study’s findings contribute to the theoretical understanding of Metaverse tourism and the application of attribution theory, offering practical insight for the responsible and effective harnessing of this transformative technology. This research provides actionable recommendations for policymakers, destination managers, and technology providers to optimize the Metaverse’s potential for cultural tourism along the Silk Roads. This has great potential in promoting the BRI’s connectivity and cooperation objectives. This paper lays the foundation for future research and responsible innovation at the intersection of emerging technologies, cultural heritage, and sustainable tourism development.

Analysis of Key Variables in Women'S Involvement in Supporting Sustainable Tourism in Penglipuran Village Bangli Regency

The success of Bali tourism has become a legend in itself when discussing international tourism. Tourism as a business image is essentially a meeting of local culture in the Province of Bali with the culture of tourists, seen in Penglipuran Tourism Village. The existence of cultural values can be seen from the residents' houses in Penglipuran Village which have a unique traditional building arrangement and form so that they have received many awards. In addition, most traders and workers in the future are women and become challengers, because of internal competition and the development of modern shops around Penglipuran Tourism Village, so this research needs to be conducted to find out the variables that are important to identify and support women tourism actors. in supporting the socialization of Penglipuran tourism village. This research took place in Penglipuran Village, Bangli Regency, using observation and questionnaire methods related to supporting sustainable tourism in Penglipuran Village, Bangli Regency. The approach used in this research is the Mixed Method approach. The sample in this study were 30 local community respondents and stakeholders or experts. The sample used in this study consisted of the community and traders in Penglipuran Village who could provide an assessment and suitability for the conditions that occurred at the research site. Determination of the number of samples using simple random sampling technique. This study uses the MICMAC analysis method which is used to categorize or classify a factor, based on the value of its influence and dependency. Based on the results of the research and discussion, it means that the existence of infrastructure, social capital, gender equality, traditional institutions, local culture, and employment are the key variables or key drivers in the involvement of women in supporting sustainable tourism in Penglipuran Village, Bangli Regency.

Gearing Toward Sustainability: Knowledge and Compliance of Local Tourism Business Operators in Southern Philippines on the Mandatory Regulations

This study examines the knowledge and compliance levels of local tourism business operators in Southern Philippines concerning mandatory sustainability regulations in terms of licensing and accreditation, sustainable tourism development, preservation of cultural heritage, community involvement initiatives, and consumer protection policies. As the tourism industry thrives, sustainable practices have become of greater importance to ensure environmental preservation and community well-being. A quantitative method was employed to investigate the extent of compliance of these local business operators about their knowledge of the existing mandatory regulations. The study reveals gaps in knowledge and different levels of compliance by employing a combination of surveys and interviews with the local business operators. Through a quantitative approach involving surveys, focus group discussions, and data analysis, key findings reveal a strong understanding of supporting cultural events among operators but a moderate knowledge of other regulatory aspects. The research highlights varying levels of knowledge and compliance with licensing and accreditation requirements, emphasizing the importance of responsible tourism practices for environmental and cultural preservation. The study recommends targeted educational programs, streamlined regulations, and stakeholder partnerships to enhance operators’ compliance and support sustainable tourism development. By bridging knowledge gaps, addressing barriers to compliance, and implementing tailored interventions, strengthen its regulatory framework, foster industry professionalism, and advance toward sustainable tourism practices. This research contributes valuable information to the regulatory landscape and offers practical recommendations for promoting responsible tourism management and economic growth in the region.

The Effectiveness of Use of Upanat in Supporting Sustainable Tourism at Borobudur Temple

The Upanat is a special type of footwear designed specifically for climbing the structure of the Borobudur Temple. The design of the Upanat focuses on sponge-type footwear, material resistance to physical and chemical processes, and wearing comfort. The primary purpose of using Upanat is to minimize the friction between the temple stones and footwear, thus preventing wear and tear and maintaining the structure of the Borobudur Temple. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of using Upanat at the Borobudur Temple, and a descriptive qualitative approach was used to collect data through direct interviews, observations, and documentation. The determination of the effectiveness of Upanat use at the Borobudur Temple was carried out in three stages: reducing data, presenting data, and drawing conclusions. The results of this research show that Upanat is highly effective in reducing wear and tear on the stairs and floors of the Borobudur Temple, as it uses materials that cause minimal friction.

How Does Smart Tourism Support Sustainable Tourism Development: the Case of Uzbekistan

Sustainable tourism is crucial for preserving cultural and natural treasures while fostering economicdevelopment. In this article, we explore how Smart tourism contributes to sustainable tourism development,with a focus on the case of Uzbekistan. By leveraging technology, responsible travel practices, and communityengagement, Smart tourism is transforming Uzbekistan’s tourism sector. This article examines the keycomponents and strategies that are making Uzbekistan a model for sustainable tourism in the digital age.

Analysis of the Contribution of ASEAN Countries in Supporting Sustainable Tourism in Indonesia

This research aims to find out the contribution of ASEAN countries in supporting sustainable tourism in Indonesia as seen from the number of tourist visits from 2014-2021. Using the VECM method, the results showed that: (1) ASEAN countries with dominating tourist visits to Indonesia are: Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines, and Thailand; (2) there are long and short-term effects on tourist arrivals of the four ASEAN countries to Indonesia; (3) if there is a shock to the number of tourist arrivals from one of the ASEAN countries to Indonesia, it will resonate the number of tourist arrivals from the other three ASEAN countries; (4) if one of the ASEAN countries experiences a shock to the number of their tourist arrivals to Indonesia, it will first have an impact on the next period in that country, after which it will shake the other three ASEAN countries in the adjacent period. It is recommended that government and private organizations engaged in tourism, as well as the public, support the tourism liberalization program while still paying attention to local wisdom and various forms of assistance so that the number of tourist visits to Indonesia, especially in four ASEAN countries, remains stable, to enable the tourism sector to provide maximum tourism foreign exchange earnings.

An Open-data Repository for Sustainable Tourism

This work outlines the benefits of an open repository of cultural and touristic content for promoting sustainability in tourism. The repository aims at sharing digital content with individuals, local communities, businesses, and tour operators to promote responsible tourism practices. By providing access to cultural and touristic content, the repository can increase awareness of local customs, traditions, and practices. This can promote respect for local culture and help reduce negative impacts on the environment and local communities. The repository also aims to promote off-season travel, which can reduce the strain on local infrastructure and support sustainable tourism practices. Additionally, it can reduce the need for physical souvenirs, which can contribute to waste and pollution. Through the sharing of digital content, the repository can support local communities and businesses by promoting their culture and heritage. This can help generate interest in the destination and support sustainable tourism development. To this end, the design and implementation of the technical infrastructure for such a repository are presented to act as an information system that is available online and contributes to sustainable development. The use case used for its demonstration facilitates cultural material from the region of Crete.

How Do Tourism Stakeholders Support Sustainable Tourism Development: The Case of Iran

The aim of this paper is to empirically examine the effect of emotional solidarity, stakeholders’ attitude, stakeholders’ commitment, perceived economic benefit, and cost on the sustainable tourism development in the Iranian tourism sector. Data were collected from surveying 258 Iranian stakeholders. The analysis was completed by using Partial Least Squares—Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The findings show that there is a direct effect of emotional solidarity and stakeholders’ attitude on perceived economic benefit. Stakeholders’ attitude and commitment influence perceived cost, and perceived economic benefits and sustainable tourism development were highly associated. Moreover, perceived economic benefit plays the mediator role between emotional solidarity, stakeholders’ attitude, and supports sustainable tourism development. This study makes significant contributions to the body of tourism literature by confirming the link between emotional solidarity, stakeholders’ attitude, stakeholders’ commitment, perceived economic benefit and cost on support in sustainable tourism development. Furthermore, this study offers several practical implications for local authorities and tourism policies aiming to improve support and engagement in tourism planning for aiding sustainable tourism development in Iran.

Agro-Tourism Potential to Support Sustainable Tourism in Pancasari Village

The purpose of this study is to describe the potential of agro tourism being developed in Pancasari Vilage, Buleleng Regency, Bali. As one of tourist attractions, agro-tourism in this rural area offers green vegetation with the marvelous view of lake and hilly valley. In fact, activities of agro-tourism and stakeholders involved in its development support sustainable tourism of Pancasari village. A qualitative method is applied yet quantitative data used as a complement through observation, interviews, and literature study of data collection technique. Informants determined through purposive sampling. The results reveal the potential of agro-tourism in Pancasari village covers some plantations among others are strawberry, vegetables as a supply chain of hotels and restaurants in Bali. Moreover, the existence of Pancasari agro-tourism can support the related places of interests nearby, such as Lake Buyan with its temple of Goddess of Lake Dewi Danu, and Bali Handara Golf Course. This potential, certainly is in line with the role of stakeholders of government, private and local community as the host for portraying the multiplier effect of tourism development in terms of the people welfare.

Agro-Tourism Potential to Support Sustainable Tourism in Pancasari Village

Agro-Tourism Potential to Support Sustainable Tourism in Pancasari Village